Governor honors two state troopers from Manitowoc County

MADISON — Two Wisconsin State Patrol troopers from Manitowoc County were among those honored by Gov. Scott Walker on Monday for outstanding conduct and exemplary service.

Gary Markowski, of Manitowoc, received the Purple Heart Award for his professionalism and sacrifice and Bryan Ashenbrenner, of Two Rivers, received three Lifesaving Awards for his effective actions and professional response.

Markowski was outside his cruiser at the scene of a crash on Interstate 43 in Manitowoc County on Jan. 31, 2011, when a driver approaching the scene lost control of her vehicle on the icy road. While directing traffic from the shoulder of the highway, Markowski was struck by the out-of-control vehicle. He sustained life-threatening injuries, which required extensive rehabilitation for eight months before he returned to full-time duty.

"Although Trooper Markowski was exposed to grave dangers at the crash scene, he bravely performed his duties to protect others," according to a news release.

Bryan Ashenbrenner(Photo: Submitted)

Ashenbrenner was off-duty when he attended a Rotary Club dinner in Two Rivers on March 30, 2014. He observed a man in distress who appeared to be choking. Ashenbrenner quickly administered the Heimlich maneuver and successfully dislodged the obstruction in the choking victim's airway. At the same dinner a short-time later, a woman showed signs of choking. Ashenbrenner again used the Heimlich maneuver successfully to save a choking victim.

Ashenbrenner also assisted a Manitowoc County Sheriff's deputy at a domestic disturbance on May 4, 2014. The deputy arrested a female subject and secured her in a patrol vehicle. While the deputy continued to investigate the incident, Ashenbrenner monitored the arrested subject. When the subject started yelling, Ashenbrenner responded. The subject was having trouble breathing, so Ashenbrenner requested emergency medical services. The subject then slumped over, lost consciousness and stopped breathing. Ashenbrenner removed her from the vehicle, requested help from the deputy and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The subject was revived and regained consciousness.

He now has received four Lifesaving Awards during his career.

The awards were presented at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Madison.